The report was presented by the ADH and outlined the charges in relation to the General Fund within the Housing Service. The charges would come into effect from 1April 2018, these charges were listed in appendix 2 of the report. For traveller sites, the rent would be increased but the proposal was there to increase rent over two years. By setting the fees and charges appropriately, it will enable the Council to generate essential income to fund Council services and to be able to adapt to changing economic conditions.

The Chair sought clarification on the rent increase on traveller sites as Thurrock residents would be getting a 1% reduction in rent. The ADH confirmed this would be the case but the increase would be over a two year period and referred to site charges. The increase would be relatively low and this charge had not been in place before.

Councillor Pothecary asked for a comparison on the rent costs of traveller sites on HRA land and rented council homes. The ADH confirmed that traveller site rents were based on plots of land. At the end of the two year rent increase from these, the sum would be equivalent to what some council tenants would pay for their rented homes.

The Chair expressed concern on the traveller sites rent increase as he felt it would be taking advantage of Housing Benefits. He did not think that the increase was even considered within general housing needs. The ADH said the yearly increase would be 5.8% which was due to begin in April 2018. Overall, the increase would not be so high. The Chair went on to ask if a consultation had taken place with the affected persons. The ADH confirmed that none had taken place and that a consultation would be progressed where there was a specific need to.

With the information given, the Chair felt he could not recommend an increase in rent unless a consultation had taken place. Travellers were still council tenants in some form and should be given the same due diligence as the usual council tenants. Councillor Pothecary also agreed with this.

Questioning the traveller site of Gammon Fields, Councillor Redsell asked if there were site officers to maintain the site. The ADH confirmed there was a dedicated team comprising of a manager and an officer who managed the sites intensively with frequent visits.

The Vice-Chair asked whether the rent would be split and if there were any additional fees to pay. The ADH said the rent was split and included service charges of utilities such as electricity. These were paid for along with rents with a swipe card. Councillor Allen questioned whether the cost was similar to some council rents and if the plot had council tax bands. The ADH answered that there was no council tax charge as the caravan on the sites were not permanent structures.

The Committee went on to discuss the removal of waste from traveller sites. A few fly tipping cases were brought up by Councillor Allen and Councillor Redsell. There was further discussion on the rent increase on traveller sites which Members felt needed more work to be done to show its feasibility. Officers agreed to address the issues brought up by the Committee and resolve before taking the report to the Cabinet Committee.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the revised fees, including those that were no longer applicable and that the Committee comment on the proposals currently being considered within the remit of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

2)    That the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted that director delegated authority will be sought via Cabinet to allow Fees and Charges to be varied within a financial year in response to legal, regulatory or commercial requirements.